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Press Release | June 30, 2025

Coast Guard rescues family from partially submerged vessel near Plana Cays, Bahamas

Public Affairs Detachment Tampa Bay - 305-965-4672

Editor's note: All Coast Guard Southeast imagery can be found on DVIDS, here.

CLEARWATER, Fla. — A Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater aircrew rescued an 8-year-old child and two adults, Monday, after their sailing vessel became partially submerged near Plana Cays, Bahamas. 

No injuries were reported.

The Air Station Clearwater MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter aircrew, forward deployed to Operation Bahamas Turks and Caicos, located the family aboard a life raft in 2 to 3-foot seas and 5-7 knot winds around 7 a.m. The aircrew transported the family to Bahamian authorities in Great Inagua.

A good Samaritan called Coast Guard Seventh District watchstanders around midnight, reporting the family in distress. The owner is coordinating the vessel's recovery with commercial salvage.

“Our aircrews train very hard for moments like this, and we are thankful to have played a role in the safe rescue of this family of three,” said Lt. Andrew Boyle, a Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater Jayhawk aircraft commander. “We urge mariners to carry a radio and an emergency distress beacon in case they find themselves in a similar situation. It could help save their lives."

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-USCG-


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